Relative newcomers to farming, Neil and Sally Grigg, took a chance on the Ruby Red cattle of North Devon when they first set out to manage a National Trust tenancy.
Now they have shown what good judges they were after winning a National Trust award for the meat they rear.
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WINNERS: Neil and Sally Grigg at Burrow Farm.
The couple's beef quality this year qualified for a place among the award-winning Fine Farm Producers designated by the trust.
Neil, 38, said: "It's really nice that the trust feels we deserve an award.
"To have an award in the shop means that customers who come in know what we do, and that this is a recognised quality product."
The Griggs took over their tenancy at Burrow Farm in the Clyst Valley six years ago.
They then had to choose which stock to rear.
Neil said: "We've always liked the Red Devons because they're docile, easy to keep.We love them."
"They're grass fed so it's relatively cheap forage. We produce good quality grazing and it means they can stay out longer."
They bought four cows and four calves and have grown the herd since then so successfully that they are now selling their own stock.
Neil said that, despite recent developments in the breed, the carcasses were small compared to others.
He said: "The size is the slight trade-off which is why we try to retail them ourselves and add the value.